Swan Valley, Perth, Western Australia - Tourism Australia Western Australia Add Share Immerse yourself in the gourmet, natural and scenic wonders of the Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine region Just north of Perth on the Swan River, lies the Swan Valley, Western Australia's oldest wine region. Handpick a bottle or two from one of the Swan Valley's state-of-the-art boutique wineries. Follow the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail and indulge your appetite in fine restaurants, relaxed winery cafes, breweries and distilleries, and roadside stalls selling fresh local produce. Dine alfresco in vineyard restaurants or pack a picnic and head to a national park. Cycle the historic Swan Valley Heritage Trail or explore the region in a romantic horse-drawn carriage, chauffeured limousine or a gourmet cruise on the Swan River. Many of the 40 wineries are small, family operations, where you can chat to the grandchildren of the Croatian and Italian migrants who founded the region in the 1920s. Others are international labels with vast vineyards and state-of-the-art cellars.

Swan Valley specialises in verdelho, chenin blanc, chardonnay, shiraz and cabernet varieties and is also renowned for its fortified wines. Lancaster Wines, Swan Valley, WA Take a self-drive tour of the award-winning Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail. This scenic 32-kilometre loop encompasses more than 150 places to indulge your appetite, including relaxed winery cafes, breweries and distilleries, fine restaurants and many roadside stalls selling fresh local produce. The trail is well sign-posted and maps are available from the Swan Valley Visitor Centre in Guildford to help you plan your own unique food and wine experience. Dine alfresco in the vineyards or fill your basket with locally grown fruit and vegetables, local cheese and olives and hand-made chocolates and have a picnic in the parklands. Enjoy a delicious ice cream in fresh local fruit flavours. Unwind with live music or sample the boutique beers and spirits at one of the region's microbreweries or distilleries. The charming colonial village of Guildford is the gateway to the Swan Valley. Here you can shop for art and antiques and explore the local markets.

Spend a night in one of Guildford's historic lodgings, which range from Western Australia's oldest home to the Federation-style pub. Cycle from Guildford to Swan Valley on the Swan Valley Heritage Trail. The area is also home to art galleries, wildlife sanctuaries, rolling countryside and national parks perfect for walking, horse-riding and cycling. There are also tours which explore the region by bus, horse-drawn carriage, taxi and chauffeured limousine. For a leisurely way to reach Swan Valley, take a gourmet cruise up the Swan River from Perth. North of Swan Valley are Walyunga National Park and Avon Valley National Park, which are popular spots for white water rafting and canoeing. Get up close to koalas and kangaroos at the wildlife park at Caversham and see crocodiles at the reptile park in Henley Brook. The Swan Valley is around 25 minutes drive from Perth . More Holiday Ideas Detailed Map of Australia - Nations Online Project Map Index ___ Detailed Map of Australia Australia is all in one, a country, a big island, and the smallest continent.

With an area of 7,617,930 km² it is slightly smaller than continental USA (without Alaska ), it is the sixth largest country in the world with only about 23.8 million inhabitants (in 2015). Map is showing mainland Australia and neighboring countries with international borders, state boundaries, the national capital Canberra, state capitals, major cities and towns, main roads, railroads and international airports . Australia's general geographical features. There are three distinctive physiographic regions, from east to west are the East Australian Highlands, the Interior Lowland Basins also known as Central Lowlands and the Western Plateau. Two thirds of continental Australia consists of the Western Plateau, 2.7 million km² of arid or semi-arid land, about the size of Argentina , covers large parts of Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. Much of the Great Western Plateau is almost uninhabited desert in diverse configurations, the spinifex dominated Great Sandy Desert, the rocky Tanami Desert, the gravel-covered Gibson Desert which has also red sand plains and some isolated salt-water lakes, and Australia's biggest desert, the Great Victoria Desert.

East of the Gibson Desert lies Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park with Australia's most famous natural icon Uluru , also known as Ayers Rock. South of the Great Victoria Desert and north of the Great Australian Bight lies the Nullarbor Plain a semi-circular, flat and in large parts treeless arid region, nearly twice the size of Cuba . In the northern part of Western Australia located is Kimberley, a region with steep-sided mountain ranges and a tropical monsoon climate, the region was named after the Kimberley diamond fields in South Africa . You are free to use this map for educational purposes, please refer to the Nations Online Project. Bookmark/share this page One World - Nations Online All Countries of the World East of the Western Plateau lie the Central Lowlands, the country's fertile basins with the Great Artesian Basin (GAB), one of the largest artesian groundwater basins in the world and the Murray-Darling Basin which is Australia's largest river systems. Lake Eyre in the Lake Eyre Basin is the terminal point of the great continental drainage system and the largest lake in Australia (on the rare occasions when it is filled).

Even if Australia is the flattest continent, there are the Eastern Highlands, also known as the Great Dividing Range. The Eastern Highlands are a vast mountainous region featuring Australia's "Alps". The mountain range separates the narrow fertile eastern coastal plains from the rest of the continent, the Outback. The Eastern Highlands are running along the entire length of the country's eastern seaboard (length: 3,500 km (2,175 mi)). All major cities Australia's are located in this part of the country. Highest point is Mount Kosciuszko, located in the south eastern corner of the country. With an elevation of 2,228 m (7,310 ft) it is Australia's highest mountain. The world's largest reef system the Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reef is composed of over 2,900 reefs and 900 islets and islands stretching for over 2,600 kilometers (1,600 mi) north-east of the continents eastern seaboard. The Great Barrier Reef covers an area of approximately 344,400 km² (133,000 sq mi).

Map of Australia Map shows the location of following Australian cities and towns: Adelaide, Albany, Alice Springs, Alyangula, Andamooka, Ararat, Armidale, Aurukun, AyrIngham, Bairnsdale, Balladonia, Ballarat, Ballina, Balranald, Bamaga, Barcaldine, Barkly Homestead, Barunga, Batchelor, Batemans Bay, Bathurst, Bega, Benalla, Bendigo, Biloela, Birdsville, Blackall, Blackwater, Bordertown, Borroloola, Boulia, Bourke, Bowen, Brewarrina, Brisbane, Broken Hill, Broome, Bunbury, Bundaberg, Burnie, Busselton, Cairns, Canberra, Carnarvon, Ceduna, Central Coast, Charleville, Charters Towers, Clare, Clermont, Cleve, Cloncurry, Cobar, Coffs Harbour, Collarenebri, Collie, Collinsville, Coober Pedy, Cooktown, Corfield, Corrigin, Cowra, Cunnamulla, Dalby, Dalwallinu, Daly River, Darwin, Denham, Denili

quin, Denmark, Derby, Devonport, Dirranbandi, Dongara, Doomadgee, Dubbo, Dysart, Echuca, Elliott, Emerald, Esperance, Exmouth, Fitzroy Crossing, Galiwinku, Gatton, Gayndah, Geelong, George Town, Georgetown, Geraldton, Gilgandra, Gladstone, Glen Innes, Gold Coast, Goondiwindi, Goulburn, Grafton, Greenvale, Griffith, Gunnedah, Gununa, Gympie, Halifax, Halls Creek, Hamilton, Hawker, Hay, Hermannsburg, Hervey Bay, Hobart, Horsham, Hughenden, Innamincka, Innisfail, Inverell, Ivanhoe, Jabiru, Jerramungup, Kadina, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Kalkarindji, Kalumburu, Kambalda, Karratha, Katanning, Katherine, Katoomba, Kellerberrin, Kempsey, Kingaroy, Kingscote, Kingston SE, Kojonup, Kowanyama, Kulgera, Kununurra, La Grange, Lajamanu, Lake Grace

, Lancelin, Launceston, Laverton, Leigh Creek, Leinster, Leonora, Lightning Ridge, Lismore, Lockhart River, Lombadina, Longreach, Mackay, Malbon, Mandurah, Maningrida, Manjimup, Mareeba, Margaret River, Marree, Maryborough, Meekatharra, Melbourne, Merredin, Middlemount, Mildura, Miles, Millicent, Moe, Monto, Moora, Moranbah, Morawa, Moree, Mount Gambier, Mount Barker, Mount Isa, Mount Magnet, Mudgee, Murray Bridge, Naracoorte, Narooma, Narrabri, Narrandera, Narrogin, Newcastle, Newman, Nguiu, Ngukurr, Nhulunbuy, Normanton, Norseman, Northam, Northampton, Nowra, Numbulwar, Nyngan, Oenpelli, Onslow, Oodnadatta, Orange, Ouyen, Pannawonica, Papunya, Paraburdoo, Parkes, Perth, Peterborough, Pine Creek, Pingelly, Port Augusta, Port Douglas, Port Hedland, Port Lincoln, Port Macquarie

, Port Pirie, Portland, Proserpine, Queanbeyan, Queenstown, Quilpie, Ravensthorpe, Renmark, Rockhampton, Rockingham, Roebourne, Rollingstone, Roma, Sale, Scone, Shepparton, Singleton, Smithton, Southern Cross, Springsure, St George, St Marys, Stamford, Streaky Bay, Sunshine Coast, Surat, Swan Hill, Sydney, Tambo, Tamworth, Tara, Tarcoola, Taree, Taroom, Telfer, Tennant Creek, Thargomindah, Tom Price, Toowoomba, Townsville, Traralgon, Tumby Bay, Tumut, Tweed Heads, Ulladulla, Ulverstone, Victor Harbor, Wagga Wagga, Walgett, Warburton, Warrnambool, Warwick, Weipa, West Wyalong, White Cliffs, Whyalla, Wilcannia, Wiluna, Windorah, Winton, Wollongong, Wongan Hills, Wonthaggi, Woomera, Woorabinda, Wudinna, Wyndham, Yamba, Yaraka, Yarr

alin, Yarrie, York, Young, Yuendumu, Yulara.

Administrative Regions, the States of and Territories of Australia The Commonwealth of Australia is a union of six states and various territories (abbreviation in parenthesis). States and territories of mainland Australia: New South Wales (NSW), capital: Sydney Northern Territory (NT), capital: Darwin Queensland (QLD), capital: Brisbane South Australia (SA), capital: Adelaide Tasmania (TAS), capital: Hobart Victoria (VIC), capital: Melbourne Western Australia (WA) capital: Perth The Australian Capital Territory, often abbreviated ACT, capital: Canberra , is the capital territory of the Commonwealth of Australia. (see also: Administrative Map of Australia ) Australia shares maritime borders with: Perth Australia in Australia Perth is the capital of the Australian state of Western Australia .Perth on 12 August 1829 by the Swan River near its confluence with the Indian Ocean by Captain James Stirling founded with the aim to prevent the French from the settlement of the West Australian. The official founding of Perth was in 1856. The city was at the request of the British War and Colonial Secretary, Sir George Murray, after the Scottish city of Perth named, in which he was born. The nearest major city Adelaide is 2139 km away.

Today, about 1.65 million inhabitants live in Perth and approximately 1.8 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area of Perth. Perth Perth called in the true sense of the Perth metropolitan area, the Perth metropolitan area. It consists today of 30 separate municipalities with their own governments ( Local Government Areas ). The actual City of Perth is relatively small. It houses, among other things, the financial district and stock exchange, the entertainment district of Northbridge, a shopping mall as a pedestrian zone (Hay Street / Murray Street) and the seat of the Parliament. It has just over 12,000 residents. The chairman of the Perth City Council is also the Lord Mayor and the chief representative of the whole city. In 2007, Lisa Scaffidi first elected woman in this position. The area’s fourth-largest Australian city has become the size of 5400 square kilometers and crossed extends from the beaches along the Indian Ocean eastward to the foothills of the Darling Range . The center is located about ten kilometers as the crow flies from the Indian Ocean inland. The city lies where the Swan River expands into a lake.

The river mouth was in 1886 by the hydraulic engineer CY O’Connor developed the harbor, but it belongs to the independent city of Fremantle . The Swan River will not frequented by large ships. As the “soul of the city” is described by many citizens of Perth, the Kings Park , a 400-acre site on the outskirts of the city, which consists to a large extent still in pristine Australian bushland. The southern part of the park is occupied by the Botanic Garden. There is a restaurant, sports facilities, monuments, an open-air cinema and space for picnics and walks. From the top of the park you have a look at the Swan River, which widens at this point to a lake, and on the glass and concrete buildings on its banks. They are a result of the Western Australian natural resource boom. Here some old buildings for modern buildings was removed. Perth, founded in 1829 by British settlers, has some old buildings such as the Government House (1864), the Deanery (1859), the Town Hall (1867) or the His Majesty’s Theatre (1904).

The oldest park in Stirling Gardens (1845), the oldest building is the Old Courthouse (1836). The tallest building in Perth is the high-rise Central Park with 226 meters and 51 floors, followed by the West Bank building at 214 meters and 52 floors. Perth is one of the city of sailing and water sports. The water temperature in the Indian Ocean is due to an ocean current that comes from the Antarctic, is relatively low and stable at 20 to 22 ° C. Popular destination – including divers – is located off the coast of the island ‘ Rottnest Iceland “(in the local dialect referred to as” Rotto “). Perth’s Catholic and Anglican Archbishop seat and including a major financial center. Also here is one of two mints of the continent Australia. Perth is the western terminus of the Trans-Australian Railway , the Indian Pacific Railway through the Nullarbor desert as far as Sydney leads. From 3 to 18 December 2011 in Perth, the RS: X fought World Windsurfing Championships.

Perth Wallpaper Major Cities and Towns in Western Australia - Postcodes Australia Perth Situated in the south-east coast of Australia on the Indian Ocean lies Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. Founded as a colony on the Swan River in 1829 by Captain James Stirling, Perth is now a rapidly-growing city housing over 75% of all WA's population. Prior to European settlement, the area had been inhabited by the local Aboriginal Noongar people for over 40,000 years. Western Australia - Map, Photos, and Information Western Australia Perth , Rottnest Island, The Pinnacles , Ningaloo Reef, Shark Bay , The Kimberley , Purnululu National Park , Broome , Margaret River. About Western Australia is Australia's largest state, covering the western third of the continent which totals a huge 2,645,615 km2 or 1,021,478 sq mi. This is approximately 3.5 times the size of Texas and makes Western Australia the second largest state/province/national region in the world. The capital city Perth, is one of the most isolated metropolitan areas on Earth.

The nearest city to Perth with a population over 1 million is Adelaide in South Australia, which is 2,104 kilometres (1,307 mi) away. Perth is physically closer to East Timor and Jakarta, Indonesia, than it is to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. It is the antipode of Hamilton in Bermuda. Perth is known as Australia's sunniest city and enjoys a Mediterranean climate. In the peak of summer, the temperature can be unbearable as it reaches well into the 40s (celsius), but the winters are mild. The city is organized and modern and has many parks and superb beaches for swimming and surfing. The beautiful Swan River flows through Perth and many Perth residents define themselves as living either north of the river or south of the river. The river drains into the Indian Ocean at the Port of Fremantle, a beautiful town with many historic buildings. If you head south from Perth, you will come across many pleasant towns like Albany and Esperance. In this general area are a number of nice beaches and some superb surfing particularly at Margaret River. South West Australia also contains areas of Karri Forest which which contain some of the tallest trees in the world.

If you head north out of Perth it doesn't take long before you enter the endless Outback. The top one third of Western Australia lies in the tropical zone and you can even find tropical rainforests fringing the northern coastline here. Below that you will find vast areas of grasslands (savanna) which look like the game reserves you find in Africa, with the exception of an innumerable amount of huge ant hills dotting the landscape intermingled with Australian fauna including kangaroos and emu. Further south lie the deserts that Australia is famous for. In fact the Australian deserts are the biggest in the world outside of the Sahara. The main deserts here are the Simpson Desert, The Great Sandy Desert, The Great Victoria Desert, and the Nullabor Plain. Nullabor means "no trees" in Latin. These deserts come to life each Spring with the most spectacular and colourful show of wild flowers on Earth. Western Australia also has more coastline than any other state and much of this coastline is pure white sand with sparkling clear and warm inviting water. The catch is that many of these idyllic beaches in the north of the state are infested with sharks and other nasties.

There are still safe beaches here where you can swim and bathe, but local knowledge is important when deciding where to swim One of the best beaches in North Western Australia is Cable Beach, located in a small outback town called Broome. This town is marketed as an alternative to Bali in Indonesia, which is a popular overseas destination for residents of Perth, due to its close proximity with that city. North West Cape is famous for Ningaloo Reef, which is just as spectacular as the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, although not as extensive. The Reef may be smaller but there is also less people and it easy to access .This area also has some superb beaches and lagoons. Another area of interest on the west coast is a place called Shark Bay. This World Heritage area is very scenic, but most come here to get up close and personal with dolphins that frequent here. Western Australia has some of the weirdest looking landscape on Earth. One such area Purnululu National Park is home to the Bungle Bungles, a vast area of dome shaped mountains of stone which are orange in colour and lined with black stripes, caused by a type of lichen that grows on certain layers of rock.

It is quite incredible to note that the area was discovered in the 1980s and stands as a testimony to the vast unexplored areas that still exist in this state. Cervantes National Park or the Pinnacles as they are more commonly known, is another strange work of nature. In prehistoric times this area was once covered in forest but as Australia moved north due to continental drift this forest moved into the arid zone and the forest died. The dead trees were replaced by sand as they wasted away and today you can see the hundreds of stone pinnacles that replaced the trees to become a petrified forest. Everything about Western Australia is big. If you travel along the main highway for example it is common to see Road Trains transporting goods up and down the state. These Road Trains are trucks with 2 or 3 sometimes 4 full trailers on the back. If you visit one of the open cast mines in the north you will see the world biggest earth moving machines, trucks with houses in them, and trains that are kilometers in length. Following the main highway north will lead you to the Northern Territory which is northeast of this state. South Australia lies to the southeast.

Beyond the western shoreline is the Indian Ocean and to the south of the state lies the Great Southern Ocean. The nearest landmass to the south is Antarctica and Indonesia lies due north. Photo Albums Perth, Australia World Facts Index > Australia > Perth Enjoying more hours of sunshine than any other Australian capital, Perth is the place to take advantage of clean air, great beaches and a laid-back lifestyle. Perth is located on the Swan River, with the suburbs sprawling out in a north-south direction, and east to the Darling Ranges. Locals refer to locations as being either north or south of the river, or in the Hills. The central business district (CBD) The streets of Perth's CBD are aligned in a grid-like fashion and are easily navigated. The 'nine to five' work is focused along St George's Terrace ('the Terrace') at the western end and Adelaide Terrace at the eastern end. The high-rise buildings contribute to the notorious wind tunnel effect along this stretch of road. Barracks Archway, located at the very top end of St George's Terrace, is all that remains of the original military barracks, which were built by convict labour in 1863 and demolished in 1966.

City shopping is centred around the Hay and Murray Street Malls and the arcades joining the two together. Forrest Place, a 'town square' bordered on four sides by the Myer store, Wellington Street, the Central Post Office Building and the Murray Street Mall, is often the site of free public entertainment and street theatre. Buskers are a regular feature and the overpass from Myer to the Carillion Arcade offers a prime viewing spot. Across from Forrest Place is the Wellington Street Rail Station, the main terminal for the metropolitan train system. Within the Hay Street Mall lies the entrance to London Court, a shopping arcade built in the style of Tudor England. Knights joust every hour as the entrance clock chimes. King Street, at the western end of the city, has seen a revamp that has transformed the once run-down warehouses into funky shops and apartments. His Majestys Theatre is located here. This Edwardian theatre was built in 1904 and is home to the Western Australia Ballet and Opera companies. Heading east along the 'Terrace', you'll find the Gothic style Saint George's Cathedral (Anglican) and Government House, the home of the Governor of Western Australia.

Next door to Government House is the Perth Concert Hall, which is the main venue for classical music performances. The Perth Mint in Hay Street is Australia's oldest operating mint. Established in 1899, the Mint now specialises in producing gold, silver and platinum coins, and houses a museum with regularly changing displays. The Old Perth Port and Barrack Street Jetty is the base for Perth's ferry and river cruises, and also host to a number of restaurants and cafes. Terrific panoramic views of the city and Swan River can be seen from Kings Park, a 1000 acre area of native bushland adjacent to the city. Northbridge Over the rail line from the city, lies Perth's nightlife centre. The streets of Northbridge are packed every Friday and Saturday night with people on their way to nightclubs after eating out at one of the many restaurants. A combination of Italian, Greek and Asian influences make for a wide variety of food and a cosmopolitan party atmosphere. As well as being the capital of the city's nightlife, Northbridge is also the place to go to take in some culture.

The Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art (PICA), the State Library and the Western Australia Museum are all located here. On weekends, you can browse through the open-air market held in the square outside the Art Gallery. Fremantle Although strictly speaking a suburb of Perth, Fremantle could almost be classified as a separate city. 'Freo' has its own unique style. Fremantle is a major working port and fishing city, with a history going back to convict times. The National Trust has classified most of Fremantle's buildings, and many of them were renovated in the lead up to Australia's defence of the America's Cup in 1987. Fremantle's culture is very strongly influenced by the city's ethnic community. A visit is a gourmet's dream, with the cafes and restaurants lining the streets offering an international feast. Having an al fresco cappuccino as you do a spot of people watching on South Terrace (the 'cafe strip') is practically compulsory. Don't miss Fremantle Markets at the corner of South Terrace and Henderson Streets.

The original markets were opened in 1897 and still flourish today with more than 150 stalls selling fruit and vegetables, clothing, antiques and other assorted 'stuff'. Fremantle Prison is another must see. Ex-prison guards conduct guided tours of the heritage-listed prison. The spooky night tours, which take you through the prison and gallows by candlelight, are a fantastic experience. A trip to Freo isn't complete without a visit to Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour and a meal of fish and chips at Kailis' Fish Market Cafe. Swan Valley The Swan Valley, 30 minutes drive from the centre of Perth, is home to an excellent selection of wineries, restaurants, galleries and accommodation. The Valley hosts two festivals each year. Taste of the Valley, held during April, and Spring in the Valley, held annually on the second weekend in October, showcase the region's finest offering of food, wine and art. The region, one of the first areas within Western Australia to be settled, has a history of producing award-winning wines.

Two of the state's largest wineries (Houghton Wines and Sandalford Wines), are located in the Valley, along with many small boutique wineries. Rottnest Island Rottnest Island is Perth's own holiday resort and home to the famous quokka (a small marsupial unique to this area). The island is a great place for a day trip, reminiscent of bygone days of playing hide and seek in small coves, cycling across rolling hills and stopping for ice cream in a hidden local store. History of Perth In 1697, a Dutch captain, Willem de Vlamingh, named a river after the black swans he saw on the water. The Swan River eventually became the base around which the city of Perth and its suburbs would grow. Perth started out as a colony established by free pioneers, with 100 men, women and children being the first European settlers to arrive in 1829. Aboriginals however, had been in the area for thousands of years: there is an Aboriginal site in the Upper Swan area thought to be 40,000 years old.

The colony of Western Australia was proclaimed on 8 June 1829 on Garden Island. A short time later, Captain James Stirling sailed up the Swan River to an area that was to become the centre of Perth. On August 12 1829, the city of Perth was founded with the ceremonial cutting down of a Sheoak tree on a site close to the present Town Hall. The hardships of colonial times meant that development of the city was very slow. In 1850, the Government was eventually convinced to transport convicts to the colony, following which, Perth grew steadily on the back of their hard labour. The Perth Gaol and Fremantle Prison were two of the first building tasks completed by the convicts. The Town Hall was the last building in Perth to be built by convict labour. Named after the Scottish city, Perth was announced a city in 1856 by Queen Victoria. The first port of call for migrants and visitors, the port city of Fremantle (pictured) was proclaimed on 3 June 1929. The different mix of cultures arriving in Fremantle was the foundation for the cosmopolitan atmosphere still found here today.

Western Australia's oldest remaining building, The Round House, was built here by convicts between 1830 and 1831. Built as a gaol, the building housed eight cells and a gaoler's residence. The building soon became too small to house the growing number of convict arrivals and so the prisoners built their own "new home", the Fremantle Prison. The prison was completed in 1859 and only ceased being a working prison in 1991. Thirteen kilometres from central Perth is Guildford, the only town in Perth to be registered by the National Trust of Australia. Together with Perth and Fremantle, Guildford was one of the first three original Swan River Colony settlements. Established in 1829, Guildford was an inland port and market town, making use of the Swan and Helena Rivers to transport goods to and from Perth and Fremantle. The Guildford town site is arranged in the manner of a 19th century English market town, complete with a church square, main street and grid subdivision. Many of the town's original buildings and homes still exist and are open to the public.

The original commercial precinct, dating back to 1829, around Meadow and Swan Streets contains many historically significant buildings, including Padburys Cafe Restaurant (1869), the Old Town Gaol (1840), that today houses the Guildford Tourist Bureau, and St Matthew's Church (1873). In 1881, the railway line to Fremantle was opened changing the town's development as river transport declined and rail became the focus. Guildford is the gateway to the Swan Valley, Perth's wine producing region. Olive Farm Winery is one of the area's oldest vineyards. Established in 1829, the limestone wine cellar is still in use. The Swan Valley is also home to Western Australia's oldest church, All Saint's Anglican Church at Henley Brook. The church is in the area where captain Stirling made camp in 1827. Opened in 1841, it was originally made of mud brick, with a porch and belfry added in 1860. The growth of Perth owes a great deal to the discovery of gold in the northwest of the state and again in 1887 at Southern Cross.

Gold fever hit and the population doubled twice in a decade. The biggest gold boom occurred in 1893 when Paddy Hannan, Tom Flannagan and Dan Shea discovered gold 40km east of Coolgardie. Prospectors from China, Europe and the USA flocked to Western Australia in search of fortune. The area around Kalgoorlie became known as the "Golden Mile". The biggest gold nugget ever found in Western Australia, The Golden Eagle, was found here in 1931. The Perth Mint was established in 1899 and refined much of the state's gold. The 1960s saw Western Australia's mineral mining industry boom and in the 1970s natural gas resources in the North West Shelf brought further growth. The city skyline changed significantly during this time, with the building of many of today's office towers. Perth became known as the "city of lights" in 1962 when the Challenger spaceship passed overhead. The lights in the office buildings of the city centre were kept on and the residents of Perth lit up their households as US astronaut John Glen orbited above.

Thirty five years later, in 1998, Perth lit up again, with Glen this time passing by on board the Discovery space shuttle. 1987 was a very important year for Perth, with Fremantle hosting Australia's defence of the America's Cup. The region saw major renovations to many listed buildings during this period. World publicity put Perth on the global tourist map, since when Perth has never looked back and looks forward to a prosperous future. The Weather Perth | Places to Visit - Experience Perth EXPLORE the river on a Swan River tour . INDULGE in some city arts and culture at a theatre, museum or art gallery. WATCH a gold pour demonstration and browse the gold shop at The Perth Mint HEAD to the shopping and entertainment hot spots beyond the CBD . DINE out at one of the many small bars, restaurants and cafes EXPLORE the city and river by bike , kayak or Segway . CATCH the city sights and attractions on a day tour TAKE a free guided walking tour of the city with the i-City Volunteers GO shopping at the wide range of boutique stores and international brands VISIT Heirisson Island - the home of a colony of Western Grey Kangaroos.

PERTH CBD For an upbeat tempo, head to Perth city. Skyscrapers are home to the state's movers and shakers while city laneways have given way to an explosive new dining and small bar scene . The city is lined with pedestrian malls jam-packed with a wide variety shops from inventive boutiques to national and global flagship stores where you can stock up on stylish fashions, buy some Aboriginal art or simply sit at a café and watch the parades of people passing by. Perth is in the midst of an exciting period of expansion and new developments, with bold new design projects and redevelopments such as Perth Arena , Barrack St Jetty and Elizabeth Quay dramatically changing the face of Perth. Elizabeth Quay features ultra trendy new cafes, bars and restaurants for those looking to get the most out of their dining experience. There's also a host of activities on offer at the Quay including cruises, gondola rides and sea plane rides. There are many attractions to visit throughout the Perth City, including The Bell Tower , The Perth Mint , Perth Zoo , Scitech , Perth Cultural Centre and Kings Park where you'll find 400 hectares of stunning natural bushland and grand lookouts - a popular place for taking photos.

All buses in the Perth CBD are FREE too with the CAT services very popular for visitors - 4 routes visiting major attractions and dining strips. Remember to connect your mobile device to the FREE "Perth WiFi" while in the city centre also and tell your friends about our extraordinary city! City walking trails & tours Why not get your visit to the city off to a flying start on a city tours or on a free guided walking tour with the City of Perth i-City Volunteers. These tours depart from the Information Kiosk in Murray Street Mall. If you prefer to follow your own path, you can pick up audio and walking trail maps from the Information Kiosk or download from the City of Perth website and carry your own personal guide in your pocket. The audio trails offer a new, fun way for visitors to experience the history and culture of Perth. Art & Heritage Trail Northbridge This trail explores the diverse history and public art in Northbridge. The trail offers a snapshot of the rich culture of Northbridge through historical images, public art and street art. Many of the buildings featured in this trail are State Registered as heritage buildings. Find out more (PDF).

SWAN RIVER On the doorstep of Perth lies the natural beauty of the Swan River; creating a stunning contrast against the skyline of city high rises. Dual-use paths make it possible to walk, ride or skate a circuit around the river or take a tour on a Segway. There are also many grassy areas to have a picnic, enjoy a sunset and watch the city come alive with light. For water sports enthusiasts sailing, windsurfing and kayaking are popular choices in Perth, with hire facilities located along the foreshore. The 'bridges' walk around the river (crossing at Narrows Bridge and the Causeway) will take you approximately 2.5 hours. The jetties at Barrack Square are the departure point for river cruises to Fremantle , Swan Valley Wine Region and Rottnest Island , as well as ferries to South Perth and Perth Zoo . The vibrant riverside location features public art, cafes, restaurants and a lively bar. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Perth is alive with an annual program of music, theatre, dance and visual art. It is particularly rich during the Perth International Arts Festival held every February and March.

During this time the city welcomes local and international artists to participate in a riot of shows across the region. Northbridge is home to the Perth Cultural Centre which houses the Western Australian Museum - Perth , Art Gallery of Western Australia , the Art Gallery of WA , the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art, the Blue Room Theatre, and the State Theatre of Western Australia and The Nostalgia Box - Australia's first interactive video game console museum! Be sure to catch a performance of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra - the state's largest performing arts company and West Australian Opera - WA's only full-time, professional opera company. Theatres too are plentiful from grand stages like the 103-year-old His Majesty's Theatre and Perth Concert Hall to intimate, out-of-the-way stages offering alternative and avant-garde shows. Why not check out what's on at the Perth Arena while you're here? The Perth Arena is Western Australia's landmark home of live entertainment, music and sports attracting some of the world's top touring artists such as Ed Sheeran, KISS, Katy Perry and P!NK.

BEYOND THE CBD To discover some more cultural encounters and funky neighborhoods, look beyond the Perth CBD to the shopping, dining and entertainment hotpots of Northbridge, East Perth, Leederville, West Perth, Subiaco, Mount Lawley, Highgate, North Perth, Gosnells , Mount Hawthorn, Victoria Park and South Perth. Here you'll find bohemian quarters, leafy village streets, boutique shopping, multi-ethnic flavours and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. WHAT'S ON IN PERTH Swan Valley wine hotels | The Hotel Guru Wine hotels in Swan Valley Wine hotels in Swan Valley Swan Valley’s vineyards line either side of the Swan Valley and bask in Western Australia’s intense heat and sunshine to produce rich, full-bodied wines from Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc - often oak-aged - to red wines such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Lying to the north east of Perth, the state’s capital, the area has the oldest vineyards in Western Australia. Our choice of Swan Valley wine hotels lies in and around Perth, to give you a comfortable city base from which to explore the vineyards.

The best Swann Valley wine hotels For great value Overlooking the Swan River, the Hyatt Regency Perth offers fantastic value for a large, modern, luxury hotel. Rooms are light and contemporary - some with balconies - and there are all the amenities you’d expect from an international hotel: outdoor pool, squash and tennis courts, gym as well as five restaurants and a swish bar. For modern minimalism Also on the eastern outskirts of Perth, overlooking the Swan River, the Metropol Perth is a large (405 rooms) and striking, modern hotel with sleek, minimalist rooms many of which have balconies. There’s a spa, gym and outdoor pool surrounded by day cabanas. Both these Swan River hotels are great for families with plenty of children’s activities and babysitting services. For a traditional feel For a complete contrast, The Terrace Hotel is a handsome town villa set in Perth’s ‘old city’. Its 15 rooms are a bold mix of traditional and contemporary, plus there’s a quiet, secluded dining terrace. For families If you want complete flexibility - particularly if you’re travelling with family or with a group of friends - the Adina Apartment Hotel is a good, stylish option.

The 134 apartments are sleek and light, with shots of bold colours, large windows and private balconies or patios. Fully kitted-out with kitchens, some have laundry facilities plus there’s an on-site restaurant, gym and swimming pool. Our Swan Valley wine hotels are a great way of combining a Perth city-sightseeing holiday with a wine-tasting trip. Perhaps you want to explore the vineyards elsewhere? For a full list of our choice of the best wine hotels in Australia, click here . Attractions | City of Perth View details about the Perth Town Hall. Barrack Square and The Swan Bells The jetties at Barrack Square are the departure point for river, winery and Rottnest Island cruises, as well as ferries to South Perth and Perth Zoo. The vibrant riverside location features public art, cafes, restaurants and a lively bar. Barrack Square is the home to Perth’s Swan Bells Belltower, one of the world’s largest musical instruments. The Belltower houses the twelve bells of Saint Martin in the Fields church, the parish church of Buckingham Palace, and also features a viewing platform and exhibitions. It is open daily from 10am.

Swan River On the city's doorstep lies this natural beauty; creating a stunning contrast against the skyline of city high rises. Dual-use paths make it possible to walk, ride or skate a circuit around the Swan River. For water sports enthusiasts sailing, windsurfing and canoeing are popular choices, with hire facilities located along the foreshore. The ‘bridges’ walk around the river (crossing at Narrows Bridge and the Causeway) will take you approximately 2.5 hours. Perth Mint Since the gold rush of the late 1880s, Australia's gold has been refined by The Perth Mint and made into legal tender coins, tradeable bars and exquisite jewellery. Housed in one of the country’s most elegant 19th Century buildings, The Perth Mint is the nation’s oldest operating mint. See a live gold pouring performance in the original Melting House and marvel at the world’s largest gold coin, valued at over $50million. The Perth Mint is located at 310 Hay Street, East Perth. Open 7 days, 9am – 5pm. Phone 1300 366 520 or visit for more information.

Arts and Culture Read here about the exciting variety of visual arts, performing arts and museums to be experienced in the City. Perth Cultural Centre On a walk through Perth Cultural Centre in Northbridge, you will find the Art Gallery of WA, the WA Museum and the State Library. ​The Cultural Centre is also home to innovative arts venues Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts and The Blue Room Theatre. City Parks and Gardens Our city is decorated with historic parks and gardens. With an array of open green spaces to botanic gardens dating back to the founding of Perth, the City's parks and gardens are free to be enjoyed by the public. View details about our City Parks and Gardens. Kings Park A short stroll from the City centre, you’ll find 400 hectares of towering trees, stunning bushland, mirror-like lakes, grand lookouts, sculpted gardens and picnic areas. ​Kings Park is a natural wonderland where you can enjoy pleasant walks while taking in the native plants, seasonal wildflowers and rich Aboriginal heritage. Magnificent views of the Swan River and Cityscape make the parklands a popular place for taking photos.

Kangaroos on Heirisson Island On the fringes of the City of Perth you can visit Heirisson Island, the home of a colony of Western Grey Kangaroos. The island is in the city’s East and can be accessed via the Causeway. Dawn and dusk are the best times to catch a glimpse of the islands’ inhabitants. You are here

Question: Which Australian state capital lies on the River Swan?
Answer: Perth